Mixing cartridges, mixing stations, and related kits, systems, and methods

ABSTRACT

Cartridges useful for mixing materials, such as fluidic materials are provided. A cartridge typically includes a body structure having surfaces that define a cavity with upper and lower portions. A rotatable member generally extends along a horizontal axis in the upper portion of the cavity. One or more protrusions typically extend outward from the rotatable member and into the lower portion of the cavity, and are configured to mix the material when the material is disposed in the cavity. Related mixing stations, systems, kits, and methods are also provided.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/097,507 filed Sep. 16, 2008, and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/097,520 filed Sep. 16, 2008, both of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to mixing materials, and provides cartridges, mixing stations, systems, methods, and kits useful for this purpose.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Uniform mixtures of materials, often in the forms of suspensions or emulsions, are used in a wide variety of applications. In the life sciences, for example, homogeneous suspensions of magnetically responsive particles are commonly used as part of cell, polypeptide, and polynucleotide purification protocols. In the case of high-throughput nucleic acid purification, numerous samples including genomic DNA or RNA, mRNA, or amplification products are typically isolated or otherwise purified in the wells of microplates or in other containers in processes that involve the use of magnetic bead suspensions. Many cell-based applications also utilize aliquots of uniform cell density, for example, to screen vast compound libraries for pharmaceutical candidates. Homogeneous mixtures of reagents are also used in numerous biological and non-biological processes, such as in nucleic acid amplification reactions, cell culturing procedures, and inorganic chemical synthetic schemes, among many others. Uniformly mixed materials are also used in a variety of other contexts as well.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides cartridges that are useful in mixing materials, including fluidic materials. Typically, the fluidic materials include particles, such as magnetically responsive beads, cells, solid supports, or the like, which are maintained in suspension using the cartridges described herein. In some embodiments, the cartridges are consumable or disposable components of mixing stations. Optionally, fluid mixing stations are included as components of systems. To illustrate, in certain embodiments, the cartridges described herein are used to maintain substantially homogenous mixtures including magnetically responsive beads, which are utilized in systems that perform nucleic acid purification and detection. In addition, the invention also provides related kits and methods.

In one aspect, the invention provides a cartridge for mixing material (e.g., fluidic material, etc.). The cartridge includes at least one body structure comprising one or more surfaces that define a cavity having upper and lower portions. The cartridge also includes at least one rotatable member extending at least partially along an axis that is substantially horizontally disposed in the upper portion of the cavity. The rotatable member is configured to operably connect to a rotational mechanism. In addition, the cartridge also includes at least one protrusion extending outward from the rotatable member and into the lower portion of the cavity. The protrusion is configured to mix the material when the material is disposed in the cavity, the rotatable member is operably connected to the rotational mechanism, and the rotational mechanism at least partially rotates the rotatable member about the axis.

The cartridges described herein include various embodiments. In certain embodiments, for example, cartridges are included as components of the mixing stations, kits, and/or systems described herein.

Typically, the cavity lacks substantial dead zones, e.g., areas where particles tend to fall out of suspension. In some embodiments, the upper portion of the cavity comprises at least one hole or indentation that receives at least a section of the rotatable member. In certain embodiments, the cavity comprises a volume capacity of about 500 mL or less.

In some embodiments, the body structures of the cartridges of the invention comprise one or more dimensions selected from, e.g., a height of about 10 cm or less, a width of about 15 cm or less, and a length of about 20 cm or less. In certain embodiments, the body structure comprises a weight of about 1 kg or less. Typically, the body structure is dimensioned to be handheld. Also, in some embodiments, the body structure, the rotatable member, the protrusion, or any combination thereof are disposable. In certain embodiments, the body structure comprises at least one alignment feature configured to align the cartridge relative to a cartridge support structure of a cartridge receiver/rotation assembly, when the cartridge is positioned on the cartridge support structure of the cartridge receiver/rotation assembly. In addition, in some embodiments, the body structure comprises at least one retention component configured to engage at least one retention mechanism of a cartridge receiver/rotation assembly, when the cartridge is positioned on a cartridge support structure of the cartridge receiver/rotation assembly.

The rotatable members of the cartridges described herein are typically configured to rotate about 180 degrees or less within the cavities of the cartridges. In some embodiments, rotatable members are configured to operably connect to the rotational mechanism via a substantially vertically disposed side surface of the body structure. To further illustrate, the rotatable member optionally comprises at least a first magnetic coupler that is configured to interact with at least a second magnetic coupler of the rotational mechanism to effect rotation of the rotatable member when the first and second magnetic couplers are within magnetic communication with one another and the rotational mechanism effects rotation of the second magnetic coupler.

In some embodiments, the protrusion of the cartridges described herein comprises at least one paddle or at least on blade. Optionally, the protrusion is fabricated integral with the rotatable member. Typically, the rotatable member comprises a plurality of protrusions.

In some embodiments, the cavity is fully enclosed within the body structure. In some of these embodiments, an aperture is disposed through a top surface of the body structure. The aperture is generally configured to receive a fluid handling component that fluidly communicates with the cavity. Typically, the aperture is disposed through the top surface of the body structure relative to the rotatable member and to the protrusion such that the fluid handling component does not contact the rotatable member or the protrusion when the rotatable member rotates the protrusion and the aperture receives the fluid handling component. In certain embodiments, a closure is disposed in or over the aperture. In some embodiments, the closure comprises a septum. In certain embodiments, the closure is re-sealable. In some embodiments, a fill port is disposed through a top surface of the body structure. In some embodiments, a vent port is disposed through a top surface of the body structure.

In other embodiments, a top surface of the body structure comprises an opening that communicates with the cavity. In some of these embodiments, a sealing member is operably connected to the body structure. The sealing member is generally structured to substantially seal the opening. In some embodiments, the sealing member comprises a removable cover that is structured to engage at least one surface of the body structure. Optionally, the sealing member comprises a film that overlays the opening on the top surface of the body structure. In certain embodiments, the film comprises a heat sealed film. Optionally, the film comprises an adhesive. Typically, an aperture is disposed through the sealing member. The aperture is generally configured to receive a fluid handling component such that the fluid handling component can fluidly communicate with the cavity. In some embodiments, the aperture is disposed through the sealing member relative to the rotatable member and to the protrusion such that the fluid handling component does not contact the rotatable member or the protrusion when the rotatable member rotates the protrusion and the aperture receives the fluid handling component. In some embodiments, a closure is disposed in or over the aperture. In certain embodiments, the closure comprises a septum. In some embodiments, the closure is re-sealable. In some embodiments, a fill port is disposed through a sealing member. In some embodiments, a vent port is disposed through a sealing member.

In certain embodiments, a fluidic material is disposed in the cavity. In these embodiments, the fluidic material typically comprises particles. To further illustrate, the particles are optionally selected from, e.g., cells, biopolymers, and solid supports. In some embodiments, the particles are maintained in suspension within the fluidic material when the rotatable member is operably connected to the rotational mechanism and the rotational mechanism at least partially rotates the rotatable member about the axis. Optionally, the particles comprise magnetically responsive particles (e.g., magnetically responsive beads, etc.).

In some embodiments, at least a first surface of the body structure is substantially symmetrical about the axis of the cavity. In these embodiments, a distance between a lower portion of the protrusion and the first surface of the cavity is typically substantially identical at two or more positions about the axis of the cavity. In some embodiments, the first surface of the cavity is curved. For example, a radius of curvature of the first surface of the cavity optionally varies along the length of the cavity. In certain embodiments, a radius of curvature of the first surface of the cavity is larger at a central portion of the cavity than the radius of curvature near an end portion of the cavity.

In some embodiments, the rotatable member comprises a proximal end which extends through a hole or an indentation in a surface of the cavity. Typically, the proximal end is configured to operably connect to the rotational mechanism. In certain embodiments, at least one washer is disposed around the proximal end of the rotatable member to seal the hole or indentation in the surface of the cavity. In some embodiments, there is a projection that extends outward from the rotatable member. The projection is typically configured to activate a motion sensor when the motion sensor is in sensory communication with the projection and the rotatable member is rotated.

In certain embodiments, the protrusion comprises at least one substantially vertically disposed segment that extends downward from the rotatable member and at least one substantially laterally disposed segment that extends outward from the substantially vertically disposed segment. In some embodiments, the substantially laterally disposed segment comprises an edge having a textured surface that, for example, enhances the uniform mixing of materials in a cartridge cavity relative to a protrusion lacking such an edge.

In another aspect, the invention provides a mixing station that includes at least one cartridge that comprises at least one body structure comprising one or more surfaces that define a cavity having upper and lower portions. The cartridge also comprises at least one rotatable member extending at least partially along an axis that is substantially horizontally disposed in the upper portion of the cavity, and at least one protrusion extending outward from the rotatable member and into the lower portion of the cavity. In addition, the mixing station also includes a cartridge receiver/rotation assembly that comprises at least one cartridge support structure that supports the body structure of the cartridge, and a rotational mechanism operably connected to the rotatable member. In some embodiments, the mixing station includes a thermal modulating component within thermal communication of the cavity to modulate temperature of fluidic material when the fluidic material is disposed in the cavity. Typically, the cartridge is removable from the cartridge support structure. In some embodiments, the body structure comprises at least one retention component. In these embodiments, the cartridge receiver/rotation assembly typically comprises at least one retention mechanism that engages the retention component to retain the cartridge on the cartridge support structure of the cartridge receiver/rotation assembly. In certain embodiments, the rotatable member comprises at least a first magnetic coupler. In these embodiments, the rotational mechanism comprises at least a second magnetic coupler that magnetically communicates with the first magnetic coupler to effect rotation of the rotatable member when the rotational mechanism rotates the second magnetic coupler. In some embodiments, the rotational mechanism comprises a motor. Typically, the rotational mechanism is mounted on the cartridge support structure. In certain embodiments, the cartridge receiver/rotation assembly comprises at least one controller operably connected at least to the rotational mechanism. The controller is typically configured to selectively direct the rotational mechanism to rotate the rotatable member in an initiation mode or in a maintenance mode in which a rate of rotation of the rotatable member is greater in the initiation mode than in the maintenance mode.

In some embodiments, the cartridge receiver/rotation assembly comprises a motion sensor that is configured to sense motion of the rotatable member when the rotational mechanism rotates the rotatable member. In these embodiments, a projection typically extends outward from the rotatable member. The projection is generally configured to activate the motion sensor when the rotatable member is rotated.

In certain embodiments, the mixing station includes at least one detection component in sensory communication with the cavity. The detection component is typically configured to detect one or more parameters of a fluidic material when the fluidic material is disposed in the cavity. In some embodiments, for example, the parameters are selected from, e.g., pH, temperature, pressure, density, salinity, conductivity, fluid level, radioactivity, luminescence, fluorescence, phosphorescence, and the like.

Optionally, the cartridge support structure comprises a recessed region that receives at least part of the body structure. In some embodiments, the recessed region comprises at least one groove. In these embodiments, the body structure typically comprises at least one alignment feature that is received within the groove to align the cartridge relative to the cartridge support structure of the cartridge receiver/rotation assembly.

In another aspect, the invention provides a kit that includes at least one cartridge that comprises at least one body structure comprising one or more surfaces that define a cavity having upper and lower portions. The cartridge also includes at least one rotatable member extending at least partially along an axis that is substantially horizontally disposed in the upper portion of the cavity. In addition, the cartridge further includes at least one protrusion extending outward from the rotatable member and into the lower portion of the cavity. The kit also includes at least one fluidic material and/or at least one particle disposed in the cavity and/or in at least one separate container. The kit further includes instructions for mixing the fluidic material and/or the particle in the cartridge and/or loading the fluidic material and/or the particle into the cavity of the cartridge. Typically, the kit also includes packaging for containing the cartridge, the separate container, and/or the instructions. To illustrate, the fluidic material generally includes water, a buffer, a cell culture medium, or the like. In some embodiments, the particle comprises at least one magnetically responsive particle. In certain embodiments, the particle is a cell, a biopolymer, a solid support, or the like.

In another aspect, the invention provides a system that includes at least one mixing station that comprises a cartridge. The cartridge includes at least one body structure comprising one or more surfaces that define a cavity having upper and lower portions. The cartridge also includes at least one rotatable member extending at least partially along an axis disposed in the upper portion of the cavity. In addition, the cartridge also includes at least one protrusion extending outward from the rotatable member and into the lower portion of the cavity. The mixing station also includes at least one cartridge receiver/rotation assembly that comprises at least one cartridge support structure that supports the body structure of the cartridge, and a rotational mechanism operably connected to the rotatable member. The system also includes at least one additional system component selected from, e.g., at least one nucleic acid amplification component, at least one sample preparation component, at least one microplate handling component, at least one material transfer component, at least one sample processing component, at least one mass spectrometer, at least one controller, at least one database, and/or the like.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method of mixing a fluidic material. The method includes (a) providing a cartridge that comprises at least one body structure comprising one or more surfaces that define a cavity having upper and lower portions, at least one rotatable member extending at least partially along an axis that is substantially horizontally disposed in the upper portion of the cavity, at least one protrusion extending outward from the rotatable member and into the lower portion of the cavity, and the fluidic material disposed in the cavity. The method also includes (b) rotating the rotatable member to cause the protrusion to agitate the fluidic material to thereby mix the fluidic material. In some embodiments, (b) comprises rotating the rotatable member back-and-forth about 180 degrees or less within the cavity. Typically, the method includes adding and/or removing material to and/or from the cavity. In some embodiments, one or more particles are disposed within the fluidic material and (b) maintains the particles in suspension within the fluidic material. In certain embodiments, (b) includes (i) rotating the rotatable member in an initiation mode to suspend the particles within the fluidic material, and (ii) rotating the rotatable member in an maintenance mode to maintain the particles in suspension within the fluidic material in which a rate of rotation of the rotatable member is greater in the initiation mode than in the maintenance mode.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method of fabricating a cartridge. The method includes (a) forming at least one body structure comprising one or more surfaces that define a cavity having upper and lower portions and (b) forming at least one rotatable member comprising at least one outwardly extending protrusion, which rotatable member is configured to extend at least partially along an axis that is substantially horizontally disposed in the upper portion of the cavity. The method also includes (c) coupling the rotatable member to the body structure such that the protrusion extends into the lower portion of the cavity.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method that includes (a) receiving an order from a customer for at least one cartridge that comprises at least one body structure comprising one or more surfaces that define a cavity having upper and lower portions, at least one rotatable member extending at least partially along an axis that is substantially horizontally disposed in the upper portion of the cavity, and at least one protrusion extending outward from the rotatable member and into the lower portion of the cavity. The method also includes (b) supplying the cartridge to the customer in response to the order. Optionally, (a) comprises receiving the order via a personal appearance by the customer or an agent thereof, via a postal or other delivery service, via a telephonic communication, or via an email communication or another electronic medium. In some embodiments, (a) comprises receiving the order for a kit that comprises the cartridge. In certain embodiments, (b) comprises supplying the cartridge to the customer via a personal appearance by the customer or an agent thereof, or via a postal or other delivery service.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description provided herein is better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which are included by way of example and not by way of limitation. It will be understood that like reference numerals identify like components throughout the drawings, unless the context indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that some or all of the figures may be schematic representations for purposes of illustration and do not necessarily depict the actual relative sizes or locations of the elements shown.

FIG. 1A schematically illustrates a cartridge from a perspective view according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1B schematically shows the cartridge of FIG. 1A from a top view.

FIG. 1C schematically shows the cartridge of FIG. 1A further including a sealing member from a perspective view.

FIG. 1D schematically illustrates the cartridge of FIG. 1C from a top view.

FIG. 1E schematically depicts the cartridge of FIG. 1C from a transparent top view.

FIG. 1F schematically shows the cartridge of FIG. 1C from a bottom view.

FIG. 1G schematically illustrates the cartridge of FIG. 1C from a transparent bottom view.

FIG. 1H schematically illustrates the cartridge of FIG. 1C from a front elevation view.

FIG. 1I schematically depicts the cartridge of FIG. 1C from a transparent front elevation view.

FIG. 1J schematically illustrates the cartridge of FIG. 1C from a back elevation view.

FIG. 1K schematically shows the cartridge of FIG. 1C from a transparent back elevation view.

FIG. 1L schematically illustrates the cartridge of FIG. 1C from a side elevation view.

FIG. 1M schematically depicts the cartridge of FIG. 1C from a transparent side elevation view.

FIG. 1N schematically shows the cartridge of FIG. 1C from a cross-sectional side elevation view.

FIG. 2A schematically illustrates a cartridge from a perspective view according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2B schematically shows the cartridge of FIG. 2A from a top view.

FIG. 2C schematically shows components of the cartridge of FIG. 2A from a partially exploded, cross-sectional side elevation view.

FIG. 2D schematically depicts the cartridge of FIG. 2A from a cross-sectional side elevation view.

FIG. 3A schematically shows the rotatable member and protrusions from the cartridge of FIG. 1A from a perspective view.

FIG. 3B schematically shows the rotatable member and protrusions of FIG. 3A from a side elevation view.

FIG. 3C schematically illustrates the rotatable member and protrusions of FIG. 3A from a front elevation view.

FIG. 3D schematically shows the rotatable member and protrusions of FIG. 3A from a back elevation view.

FIG. 3E schematically shows the rotatable member of FIG. 3A from a top view.

FIG. 3F schematically depicts the rotatable member and protrusions of FIG. 3A from a bottom view.

FIG. 3G schematically shows the rotatable member and protrusions of FIG. 3A with a projection attached to the rotatable member from a perspective view.

FIG. 3H schematically illustrates the rotatable member and protrusions of FIG. 3A disposed in a cartridge cavity from a perspective view.

FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a cartridge having magnetic coupler from a partially transparent bottom view according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5A schematically illustrates a mixing station from a perspective view according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5B schematically shows the mixing station of FIG. 5A from a side elevation view.

FIG. 5C schematically depicts the mixing station of FIG. 5A from a top view.

FIG. 6A schematically shows the cartridge receiver/rotation assembly of the mixing station of FIG. 5A from a perspective view.

FIG. 6B schematically depicts the cartridge receiver/rotation assembly of the mixing station of FIG. 5A from a top view.

FIG. 6C schematically illustrates the cartridge receiver/rotation assembly of the mixing station of FIG. 5A from a bottom view.

FIG. 6D schematically depicts the cartridge receiver/rotation assembly of the mixing station of FIG. 5A from a side elevation view.

FIG. 6E schematically illustrates the cartridge receiver/rotation assembly of the mixing station of FIG. 5A from a front view.

FIG. 6F schematically shows the cartridge receiver/rotation assembly of the mixing station of FIG. 5A from a back view.

FIG. 7 schematically illustrates a cartridge receiver/rotation assembly of a mixing station that includes a thermal modulating component from a perspective view according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a representative logic device in which various aspects of the present invention may be embodied.

FIG. 9A schematically illustrates selected components of a representative system that includes a mixing station as a sub-system component from a perspective view according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9B schematically shows the representative system of FIG. 9A from a front elevation view.

FIG. 9C schematically depicts the representative system of FIG. 9A from a rear elevation view.

FIG. 9D schematically shows the representative system of FIG. 9A from a side elevation view.

FIG. 9E schematically illustrates the representative system of FIG. 9A from a top elevation view.

FIG. 9F schematically depicts the representative system of FIG. 9A from a cross-sectional view.

FIG. 9G schematically illustrates the representative system of FIG. 9A from a cross-sectional view.

FIGS. 10A and 10B schematically show additional components of the representative system of FIG. 9A from a perspective view.

FIG. 11A schematically illustrates the representative system of FIG. 9A with an external covering from a perspective view.

FIG. 11B schematically illustrates the representative system of FIG. 9A with an external covering from a front elevation view.

FIG. 11C schematically shows the representative system of FIG. 9A with an external covering from a side view.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION I. Definitions

Before describing the invention in detail, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to particular cartridges, mixing stations, systems, kits, or methods, which can vary. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” also include plural referents unless the context clearly provides otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a cartridge” includes a combination of two or more cartridge. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting. Further, unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. In describing and claiming the invention, the following terminology, and grammatical variants thereof, will be used in accordance with the definitions set forth below.

The term “amplifying” or “amplification” in the context of nucleic acids refers to the production of multiple copies of a polynucleotide, or a portion of the polynucleotide, typically starting from a small amount of the polynucleotide (e.g., a single polynucleotide molecule), where the amplification products or amplicons are generally detectable. Amplification of polynucleotides encompasses a variety of chemical and enzymatic processes. The generation of multiple DNA copies from one or a few copies of a target or template DNA molecule during a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or a ligase chain reaction (LCR) are forms of amplification. Amplification is not limited to the strict duplication of the starting molecule. For example, the generation of multiple cDNA molecules from a limited amount of RNA in a sample using reverse transcription (RT)-PCR is a form of amplification. Furthermore, the generation of multiple RNA molecules from a single DNA molecule during the process of transcription is also a form of amplification.

The term “base composition” refers to the number of each residue comprised in an amplicon or other nucleic acid, without consideration for the linear arrangement of these residues in the strand(s) of the amplicon. The amplicon residues comprise, adenosine (A), guanosine (G), cytidine, (C), (deoxy)thymidine (T), uracil (U), inosine (I), nitroindoles such as 5-nitroindole or 3-nitropyrrole, dP or dK (Hill F et al. (1998) “Polymerase recognition of synthetic oligodeoxyribonucleotides incorporating degenerate pyrimidine and purine bases” Proc Natl Acad Sci U.S.A. 95(8):4258-63), an acyclic nucleoside analog containing 5-nitroindazole (Van Aerschot et al., Nucleosides and Nucleotides, 1995, 14, 1053-1056), the purine analog 1-(2-deoxy-beta-D-ribofuranosyl)-imidazole-4-carboxamide, 2,6-diaminopurine, 5-propynyluracil, 5-propynylcytosine, phenoxazines, including G-clamp, 5-propynyl deoxy-cytidine, deoxy-thymidine nucleotides, 5-propynylcytidine, 5-propynyluridine and mass tag modified versions thereof, including 7-deaza-2′-deoxyadenosine-5-triphosphate, 5-iodo-2′-deoxyuridine-5′-triphosphate, 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine-5′-triphosphate, 5-bromo-2′-deoxycytidine-5′-triphosphate, 5-iodo-2′-deoxycytidine-5′-triphosphate, 5-hydroxy-2′-deoxyuridine-5′-triphosphate, 4-thiothymidine-5′-triphosphate, 5-aza-2′-deoxyuridine-5′-triphosphate, 5-fluoro-2′-deoxyuridine-5′-triphosphate, O⁶-methyl-2′-deoxyguanosine-5′-triphosphate, N²-methyl-2′-deoxyguanosine-5′-triphosphate, 8-oxo-2′-deoxyguanosine-5′-triphosphate or thiothymidine-5′-triphosphate. In some embodiments, the mass-modified nucleobase comprises ¹⁵N or ¹³C or both ¹⁵N and ¹³C. In some embodiments, the non-natural nucleosides used herein include 5-propynyluracil, 5-propynylcytosine and inosine. Herein the base composition for an unmodified DNA amplicon is notated as A_(w)G_(x)C_(y)T_(z), wherein w, x, y and z are each independently a whole number representing the number of said nucleoside residues in an amplicon. Base compositions for amplicons comprising modified nucleosides are similarly notated to indicate the number of said natural and modified nucleosides in an amplicon. Base compositions are calculated from a molecular mass measurement of an amplicon, as described below. The calculated base composition for any given amplicon is then compared to a database of base compositions. A match between the calculated base composition and a single database entry reveals the identity of the bioagent.

The term “communicate” refers to the direct or indirect transfer or transmission, and/or capability of directly or indirectly transferring or transmitting, something at least from one thing to another thing. Objects “fluidly communicate” with one another when fluidic material is, or is capable of being, transferred from one object to another. In some embodiments, for example, an aperture is disposed through a top surface of a cartridge body structure. In these embodiments, the aperture is typically configured to receive a fluid handling component that fluidly communicates with the cavity (e.g., adds and/or removes material to and/or from the cavity). Objects are in “thermal communication” with one another when thermal energy is or can be transferred from one object to another. In certain embodiments, for example, a mixing station includes a thermal modulating component that can transfer thermal energy to and/or receive thermal energy from a cartridge cavity to modulate (e.g., raise and/or lower) temperature of fluidic materials disposed in the cavity. Objects are in “magnetic communication” with one another when one object exerts or can exert a magnetic field of sufficient strength on another object to effect a change (e.g., a change in position or other movement) in the other object. In some embodiments, for example, a rotational mechanism magnetically communicates with a rotatable member of a cartridge via magnetic couplers that effect the rotation of the rotatable member. Objects are in “sensory communication” when a characteristic or property of one object is or can be sense, perceived, or otherwise detected by another object. In certain embodiments, for example, a projection that extends outward from a rotatable member is configured to activate a motion sensor such that movement of the rotatable member can be monitored when the motion sensor is in sensory communication with the projection. To further illustrate, in some embodiments, a detection component is positioned in sensory communication with a cartridge cavity so as to detect one or more parameters (e.g., temperature, pH, or the like) of a fluidic material disposed in the cavity. It is to be noted that there may be overlap among the various exemplary types of communication referred to above.

The phrase “dead zone” in the context of cartridge cavities refers to an area of a cavity in which particles tend to fall out of suspension or otherwise settle even when a fluidic material comprising the particles is agitated or otherwise mixed within the cavity, or to an area of a cavity in which materials are mixed less uniformly or thoroughly than in others within the cavity.

The phrase “horizontally disposed” refers to something that is positioned, and/or operates, in a plane that is parallel to the horizon or to a baseline. In some embodiments, for example, a rotatable member extends at least partially along an axis that is substantially horizontally disposed in the cavity of a cartridge during typical or intended use of the cartridge. An axis is “substantially horizontally disposed” in a cavity when it is either exactly parallel to the horizon or to a baseline, or forms an angle with the horizon or a baseline that is less than 45° (e.g., 40° or less, 35° or less, 30° or less, 25° or less, 20° or less, 15° or less, 10° or less, 5° or less, etc.).

The term “kit” is used in reference to a combination of articles that facilitate a process, method, assay, analysis or manipulation of a sample. Kits can contain instructions describing how to use the kit (e.g., instructions describing the methods of the invention), cartridges, mixing stations, magnetically responsive particles or other particles, chemical reagents, as well as other components. Kit components may be packaged together in one container (e.g., box, wrapping, and the like) for shipment, storage, or use, or may be packaged in two or more containers.

The phrase “laterally disposed” refers to something that extends outward from at least one side of the same or another thing. In some embodiments, for example, a protrusion includes a substantially vertically disposed segment that extends downward from a rotatable member and a substantially laterally disposed segment that extends outward from the substantially vertically disposed segment.

The phrase “lower portion” in the context of a mixing cartridge cavity refers to an area or region of the cavity having a maximum height that is not more than 50% of the maximum height of the entire cavity and which is disposed below another area or region of the cavity during intended operation of the cartridge.

The term “material” refers to something comprising or consisting of matter. The term “fluidic material” refers to material (such as, a liquid or a gas) that tends to flow or conform to the outline of its container.

The term “microplate” refers to a plate or other support structure that includes multiple cavities or wells that are structured to contain materials, such as fluidic materials. The wells typically have volume capacities of less than about 1.5 mL (e.g., about 1000 μL, about 800 μL, about 600 μL, about 400 μL, or less), although certain microplates (e.g., deep-well plates, etc.) have larger volume capacities, such as about 4 mL per well. Microplates can include various numbers of wells, for example, 6, 12, 24, 48, 96, 384, 1536, 3456, 9600, or more wells. In addition, the wells of a microplate are typically arrayed in a rectangular matrix. Microplates generally conform to the standards published by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) on behalf of the Society for Biomolecular Screening (SBS), namely, ANSI/SBS 1-2004: Microplates—Footprint Dimensions, ANSI/SBS 2-2004: Microplates—Height Dimensions, ANSI/SBS 3-2004: Microplates—Bottom Outside Flange Dimensions, and ANSI/SBS 4-2004: Microplates—Well Positions, which are each incorporated by reference. Microplates are available from a various manufacturers including, e.g., Greiner America Corp. (Lake Mary, Fla., U.S.A.) and Nalge Nunc International (Rochester, N.Y., U.S.A.), among many others. Microplates are also commonly referred to by various synonyms, such as “microtiter plates,” “micro-well plates,” “multi-well containers,” and the like

The term “molecular mass” refers to the mass of a compound as determined using mass spectrometry, for example, ESI-MS. Herein, the compound is preferably a nucleic acid. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid is a double stranded nucleic acid (e.g., a double stranded DNA nucleic acid). In some embodiments, the nucleic acid is an amplicon. When the nucleic acid is double stranded the molecular mass is determined for both strands. In one embodiment, the strands may be separated before introduction into the mass spectrometer, or the strands may be separated by the mass spectrometer (for example, electro-spray ionization will separate the hybridized strands). The molecular mass of each strand is measured by the mass spectrometer.

The term “non-priority microplate” refers to a microplate that is processed or otherwise handled after at least one other microplate, or whose processing or handling is interrupted or deferred in order to process or otherwise handle at least one other microplate, in a given microplate handling system of the invention. That is, the order, schedule, or timing of processing or handling a non-priority microplate is subject to interruption or delay when a higher priority microplate is presented, such as a microplate including stat samples. In some embodiments, non-priority microplates are introduced into a given system via non-priority microplate storage units.

The term “nucleic acid molecule” refers to any nucleic acid containing molecule, including but not limited to, DNA or RNA. The term encompasses sequences that include any of the known base analogs of DNA and RNA including, but not limited to, 4-acetylcytosine, 8-hydroxy-N⁶-methyladenosine, aziridinylcytosine, pseudoisocytosine, 5-(carboxyhydroxyl-methyl)-uracil, 5-fluorouracil, 5-bromouracil, 5-carboxymethylaminomethyl-2-thiouracil, 5-carboxymethylaminomethyluracil, dihydrouracil, inosine, N⁶-isopentenyladenine, 1-methyladenine, 1-methylpseudo-uracil, 1-methylguanine, 1-methylinosine, 2,2-dimethyl-guanine, 2-methyladenine, 2-methylguanine, 3-methyl-cytosine, 5-methylcytosine, N⁶-methyladenine, 7-methylguanine, 5-methylaminomethyluracil, 5-methoxy-amino-methyl-2-thiouracil, beta-D-mannosylqueosine, 5′-methoxycarbonylmethyluracil, 5-methoxyuracil, 2-methylthio-N-isopentenyladenine, uracil-5-oxyacetic acid methylester, uracil-5-oxyacetic acid, oxybutoxosine, pseudouracil, queosine, 2-thiocytosine, 5-methyl-2-thiouracil, 2-thiouracil, 4-thiouracil, 5-methyluracil, N-uracil-5-oxyacetic acid methylester, uracil-5-oxyacetic acid, pseudouracil, queosine, 2-thiocytosine, and 2,6-diaminopurine.

The term “priority microplate” refers to a microplate that is processed or otherwise handled before the processing or handling of a non-priority microplate is commenced or completed in a given microplate handling system of the invention. In some embodiments, one or more wells of priority microplates comprise stat or urgent samples. In certain embodiments, priority microplates are introduced into a given system via priority microplate storage units.

The term “system” refers a group of objects and/or devices that form a network for performing a desired objective. In some embodiments, for example, mixing stations with cartridges having fluidic materials with magnetically responsive particles are included as part of systems in which nucleic acids are purified using the magnetically responsive particles such that the molecular masses of the nucleic acids can be more readily detected by mass spectrometers of these systems.

The phrase “upper portion” in the context of a mixing cartridge cavity refers to an area or region of the cavity having a maximum height that is not more than about 65% of the maximum height of the entire cavity and which is disposed above another area or region of the cavity during intended operation of the cartridge.

The phrase “vertically disposed” refers to something that is positioned, and/or operates, in a plane that is perpendicular to the horizon or to a baseline. In certain embodiments, for example, the body structure of a cartridge includes a substantially vertically disposed side surface during typical or intended use of the cartridge. As side surface is “substantially vertically disposed” when it is either exactly perpendicular to the horizon or to a baseline, or forms an angle with the horizon or a baseline that is more than 45° and less than 90° (e.g., between about 50° and about 85°, between about 55° and about 80°, between about 60° and about 75°, between about 65° and about 70°, etc.).

II. Introduction

The invention relates to material mixing, and in various embodiments provides cartridges, mixing stations, systems, kits, and related methods that are useful for this purpose. In some applications, for example, fluidic materials are mixed such that particles (e.g., magnetically responsive particles or other solid supports, cells, and the like) are maintained in suspension and uniformly distributed within the fluidic material. In other exemplary applications, different particles are mixed with one another, solid materials are dissolved in liquids, different liquids are mixed with one another or emulsified, and gases are distributed within liquid phases. Homogeneous mixtures of materials are commonly used in a host of scientific and industrial processes, including biopolymer purification procedures, compound screening methods, and chemical synthesis schemes, among many others. The cartridges, mixing stations, and other aspects described herein can be used, or readily adapted for use, in these as well as essentially any other application that involves mixtures of materials. These and many other attributes will be apparent upon reviewing the description provided herein.

III. Example Cartridges

FIGS. 1A-N schematically illustrate a representative mixing cartridge of the invention. As shown, cartridge 100 includes body structure 102, which includes curved surface 104 that partially defines cavity 106 having upper portion 108 and lower portion 110. As further shown, cartridge 100 also includes rotatable member 112 extending along an axis that is substantially horizontally disposed in upper portion 108 of the cavity 106. In addition, protrusions 114 extend outward from rotatable member 112 and into lower portion 110 of cavity 106, e.g., when rotatable member 112 is not being rotated. Protrusions 114 (shown as a blade or paddle) are configured to mix material when the material (e.g., a fluidic material, etc.) is disposed in cavity 106 and a rotational mechanism rotates rotatable member 112 about the substantially horizontally disposed axis. Suitable rotational mechanisms are described further herein.

Body structures are generally dimensioned to be handheld, although other sizes are also optionally utilized. Handheld cartridges are typically readily transportable (e.g., manually or robotically), e.g., to and from cartridge receiver/rotation assemblies in a given mixing station or system, via a carrier service (e.g., the postal service or the like) as a kit component, or the like. In some embodiments, for example, cartridge body structures have heights of about 10 cm or less (e.g., about 9.5 cm, about 9 cm, about 8.5 cm, about 8 cm, about 7.5 cm, about 7 cm, about 6.5 cm, about 6 cm, about 5.5 cm, about 5 cm, about 4.5 cm, about 4 cm, about 3.5 cm, about 3 cm, about 2.5 cm, etc.). In certain embodiments, cartridge body structures have widths of about 15 cm or less (e.g., about 14.5 cm, about 14 cm, about 13.5 cm, about 13 cm, about 12.5 cm, about 12 cm, about 11.5 cm, about 11 cm, about 10.5 cm, about 10 cm, about 9.5 cm, about 9 cm, about 8.5 cm, about 8 cm, about 7.5 cm, about 7 cm, about 6.5 cm, about 6 cm, about 5.5 cm, about 5 cm, about 4.5 cm, about 4 cm, about 3.5 cm, about 3 cm, about 2.5 cm, etc.). In some embodiments, cartridge body structures have lengths of about 20 cm or less (e.g., about 19.5 cm, about 19 cm, about 18.5 cm, about 18 cm, about 17.5 cm, about 17 cm, about 16.5 cm, about 16 cm, about 15.5 cm, about 15 cm, about 14.5 cm, about 14 cm, about 13.5 cm, about 13 cm, about 12.5 cm, about 12 cm, about 11.5 cm, about 11 cm, about 10.5 cm, about 10 cm, about 9.5 cm, about 9 cm, about 8.5 cm, about 8 cm, about 7.5 cm, about 7 cm, about 6.5 cm, about 6 cm, about 5.5 cm, about 5 cm, about 4.5 cm, about 4 cm, about 3.5 cm, about 3 cm, about 2.5 cm, etc.). In some exemplary embodiments, mixing cartridge body structures include a height of about 3.0 cm (e.g., 3.3 cm, 3.2 cm, 3.1 cm, 3.0 cm, 2.9 cm, 2.8 cm, 2.7 cm, etc.), a width of about 5.5 cm (e.g., 5.8 cm, 5.7 cm, 5.6 cm, 5.5 cm, 5.4 cm, 5.3 cm, 5.2 cm, etc.), and a length of about 12.0 cm (e.g., 12.3 cm, 12.2 cm, 12.1 cm, 12.0 cm, 12.9 cm, 12.8 cm, 12.7 cm, etc.). To further illustrate, mixing cartridge body structures can also include a variety of shapes. In some embodiments, for example, body structures include substantially rectangular-shaped, substantially square-shaped, substantially oval-shaped, and/or substantially circular-shaped cross-sections. In addition, mixing cartridges, or body structures thereof, generally include weights of about 1 kg or less (e.g., about 750 grams, 500 grams, 250 grams, 200 grams, 150 grams, 100 grams, 50 grams, etc.). Cartridge fabrication materials and techniques are described further herein.

The cavities of the mixing cartridges include numerous embodiments. For example, they can include various shapes and volume capacities. A mixing cartridge cavity generally has a shape that lacks substantial dead zones (e.g., areas where particles tend to settle or otherwise not be mixed) when a given rotatable member mixes materials in the cavity. In some embodiments, for example, one or more surfaces of a body structure that define its cavity are substantially symmetrical about a substantially horizontally disposed axis (e.g., an axis about which a rotatable member rotates) of the cavity. Curved surface 104 of cavity 106 illustrate one of these embodiments. Further, a radius of curvature of a surface of a given cavity optionally varies along the length of the cavity in some embodiments. As shown, for example, in FIGS. 1B and K, the radius of curvature of curved surface 104 of cavity 106 is larger at central portion 116 of cavity 106 than the radius of curvature near end portion 118 of cavity 106. To further illustrate, a distance between a lower portion of a protrusion of a rotatable member and a surface of the cavity is substantially identical at two or more positions about the axis of the cavity in some embodiments. Protrusions 104 and curved surface 104 of cartridge 100 show one of these embodiments. Typically, the upper portions of cavities include holes, indentations, or the like that receive sections of rotatable members, e.g., to position the rotatable members within the cavities. As an example, cavity 106 of cartridge 100 include indentation 120 and hole 122 that receive sections of rotatable member 112. Although mixing cartridge cavities optionally include other volume capacities, they include volume capacities of about 500 mL or less (e.g., about 450 mL, about 400 mL, about 350 mL, about 300 mL, about 250 mL, about 200 mL, about 150 mL, about 100 mL, about 50 mL, etc.).

In certain embodiments, a top surface of the body structure comprises an opening that communicates with the cavity. As shown, for example, in FIGS. 1A and B, body structure 102 includes opening 124 that communicates with cavity 106. In these embodiments, a mixing cartridge typically includes a sealing member that operably connects to the body structure, e.g., to seal the cavity during operation, transport, or the like. In some embodiments, the sealing member includes a removable cover that is structured to engage one or more surfaces of the body structure. To illustrate, the sealing member optionally includes a film (e.g., a heat sealed or otherwise adhered film) that overlays the opening on the top surface of the body structure. To facilitate communication with the cavity, one or more apertures are generally disposed through the sealing member. In some embodiments, for example, apertures are configured to receive one or more fluid handling components such that the fluid handling components can fluidly communicate with the cavity (e.g., add and/or remove fluidic material to/from the cavity). Fluid handling components are described further below. Typically, an aperture is disposed through the sealing member relative to the rotatable member and to protrusions extending from the rotatable member such that the fluid handling component does not contact the rotatable member or the protrusions when the rotatable member rotates the protrusion and the aperture receives the fluid handling component, e.g., to minimize the chance of damaging these components during operation of a given process. In some embodiments, a closure (e.g., a re-sealable label, a septum, or the like) is disposed in or over the aperture, e.g., to reduce the possibility of contaminating the contents of the cavity, to prevent spillage during transport, to minimize evaporation of fluidic materials in the cavity, etc. In certain embodiments, a closure, such as a sealing label or the like is removed from a cartridge during operation, whereas in other embodiments, a closure such as a self-sealing septum remains positioned in or over an aperture, e.g., when a fluid handling component fluidly communicates with the cavity of the cartridge. To further illustrate, in FIGS. 1C and D, for example, cartridge 100 includes sealing member 126 (shown as a foil/laminate cover) overlaying opening 124 of cavity 106. Although not within view, for example, in FIGS. 1C and D, an aperture or fill port is disposed through sealing member 126, but has been covered and sealed by closure 128 (shown as a round seal label). In some embodiments, a fill port 131 and/or vent port 133 is disposed through the sealing member 126.

As also shown, for example, in FIG. 1B, curved surface 104 of cartridge 100 also includes flattened area 105, which aligns with the aperture disposed through sealing member 126 and with closure 128. Flattened areas, such as flattened area 105 are included in certain embodiments to reduce the possibility of a fluid handling component (e.g., a pipette tip or needle) contacting curved surface 104 and causing damage to the fluid handling component and/or cartridge 100, when the fluid handling component fluidly communicates with cavity 106.

In other exemplary embodiments, a cavity is fully enclosed within a mixing cartridge body structure. That is, the body structure does not include an opening comparable to opening 124 in these embodiments. One or more apertures, however, are typically disposed through a top surface of the body structure. In some of these embodiments, for example, the top surface is fabricated integral with the body structure or otherwise attached during assembly. Suitable fabrication techniques and materials are described further herein. The aperture is generally configured to receive a fluid handling component that fluidly communicates with the cavity. In these embodiments, the aperture is typically disposed through the top surface of the body structure relative to the rotatable member and to protrusions extending from the rotatable member such that the fluid handling component does not contact the rotatable member or the protrusions when the rotatable member rotates the protrusions and the aperture receives the fluid handling component. A closure (such as, a re-sealable label, a septum, or the like) is typically disposed in or over the aperture, e.g., at least prior to use. To further illustrate these embodiments, FIGS. 2A-D schematically show a representative mixing cartridge having a cavity that is fully enclosed. As shown, cartridge 200 includes top surface 202 fabricated integral (e.g., injection molded, machined, or the like) with other portions of the cartridge's body structure. In this exemplary embodiment, cavity portion 204 is fabricated separate from other components of the cartridge (FIG. 2C) and attached to the remaining portion of the body structure (via attachment components 206 (shown as corresponding male and female elements that are structured to engage one another) during device assembly to form cavity 208. As further shown, cartridge 200 includes pre-pierced septum 210 positioned in an aperture disposed through top surface 202. During operation, a fluid handling component (e.g., a manually or robotically operated pipetting apparatus) typically fluidly communicates with cavity 208 via septum 210.

In some embodiments, mixing cartridge body structures include alignment features that align the cartridges relative to other components, such as the cartridge support structure of a cartridge receiver/rotation assembly. To illustrate, cartridge 100 includes alignment features 130, which align cartridge 100 relative to a cartridge support structure when cartridge 100 is positioned on a cartridge receiver/rotation assembly (not shown in FIGS. 1A-N). In addition, in certain embodiments, body structures also include retention components that engage retention mechanisms of cartridge receiver/rotation assemblies. As shown, cartridge 100 includes retention component 132 (shown as a lip at the base of body structure 102) that engages a retention mechanism of a cartridge receiver/rotation assembly (not shown in FIGS. 1A-N) to hold cartridge 100 in place when body structure 102 is positioned on the assembly and, e.g., when a rotational mechanism of the assembly rotates rotatable member 112 of cartridge 100. Exemplary cartridge receiver/rotation assemblies are described further herein.

The rotatable members and protrusions of the mixing cartridges of the invention also include a wide variety of embodiments. To further illustrate one exemplary embodiment, FIGS. 3A-H show additional views of rotatable member 112 and protrusions 114 of cartridge 100. Rotatable members are typically configured to rotate about 180 degrees or less (e.g., about 135 degrees, about 90 degrees, about 45 degrees, etc.) within the cavities of the cartridges described herein. Although rotatable member 112 of cartridge 100 extends along an entire length of a substantially horizontally disposed axis in upper portion 108 of the cavity 106, other configurations are also optionally utilized. In some embodiments, for example, rotatable members extend less than the entire length of a substantially horizontally disposed rotational axis. As an additional option, multiple rotatable members are used in certain embodiments.

Rotatable members are generally configured to operably connect to rotational mechanisms. Rotational mechanisms, which are described further herein, effect the rotation of the rotatable members. In some embodiments, rotatable members operably connect to rotational mechanisms via substantially vertically disposed side surfaces of cartridge body structures. For example, rotatable member 112 includes proximal end 134 that extends through hole 122 in a substantially vertical surface of cavity 106. As also shown, washer 136 is disposed around proximal end 134 of rotatable member 112, e.g., to seal in the surface of cavity 106. Proximal end 134 is configured to operably connect to a rotational mechanism that mechanically effects the rotation of rotatable member 112. Rotatable member rotation can also effected using other approaches. In some embodiments, for example, rotatable members include magnetic couplers that are configured to interact with magnetic couplers of the rotational mechanisms to effect rotation of the rotatable members when the magnetic couplers are within magnetic communication with one another. To illustrate, FIG. 4 schematically shows one embodiment of a cartridge that includes a magnetic coupler from a partially transparent bottom view. As shown, cartridge 400 includes rotatable member 402 disposed within cavity 404. In addition, magnetic coupler 406 is attached to rotatable member 402 and magnetic coupler 408 is rotatably connected to a rotational mechanism (not shown) via shaft 410. During operation, magnetic coupler 406 and magnetic coupler 408 are positioned within magnetic communication with one another such that when the rotational mechanism effects the rotation of magnetic coupler 408, magnetic coupler 408, in turn, effects the rotation of magnetic coupler 406 and rotatable member 402. Magnetic coupling mechanisms that are optionally adapted for use with the cartridges of the invention are also described in, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,461,034, entitled “USE OF A BUBBLE PADDLE TUMBLE STIRRER TO MIX THE CONTENTS OF A VESSEL WHILE THE CONTENTS ARE BEING REMOVED,” which issued Oct. 8, 2002 to Cleveland, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. Rotational mechanisms and related cartridge receiver/rotation assemblies are described further herein.

Typically, mixing cartridges include mechanisms that facilitate the monitoring and regulation of mixing processes performed using the cartridges. In certain embodiments, for example, there is a projection that extends outward from the rotatable member. In these embodiments, the projection is generally configured to activate a motion sensor when the motion sensor is in sensory communication with the projection and the rotatable member is rotated. As an illustration, projection 138 is positioned in housing 139 near proximal end 134 of rotatable member 112. During operation, the rate of rotatable member 112 rotation is typically tracked and adjusted when a motion sensor detects the motion of projection 138. Motion sensors are typically included as components of cartridge receiver/rotation assemblies, which are described further herein.

The protrusion or protrusions that extend from a given rotatable member also include a number of different embodiments. Essentially any number and configuration of protrusions that can effect the mixing of materials in the cartridges of the invention can be utilized. Typically, protrusions are configured (e.g., in conjunction with cavity surface shapes and/or textures) to minimize dead zones within cavities and to facilitate fluid communication with cartridge cavities concurrent with the rotation of rotatable members. In some embodiments, for example, a protrusion includes at least one substantially vertically disposed segment (e.g., substantially vertically disposed segment 140) that extends downward from the rotatable member (e.g., rotatable member 112) and at least one substantially laterally disposed segment (e.g., substantially laterally disposed segment 142) that extends outward from the substantially vertically disposed segment. In some embodiments, protrusions typically include one or more edges having textured surfaces (e.g., edge 144 of substantially laterally disposed segment 142). The use of textured surfaces typically enhances the uniformity of mixing materials within cartridge cavities. Protrusions are optionally fabricated as separate components and attached to rotatable members during cartridge assembly processes. In other embodiments, protrusions fabricated integral with rotatable members (e.g., as an integrated molded part, etc.). Cartridge fabrication is described further herein.

IV. Example Mixing Stations

FIGS. 5A-C schematically illustrate a mixing station according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown, mixing station 500 includes cartridge 100 (depicted in various transparent views) and cartridge receiver/rotation assembly 502 (shown in various partially transparent views). To further illustrate, FIGS. 6A-F schematically show cartridge receiver/rotation assembly 502 without cartridge 100. Cartridge receiver/rotation assembly 502 includes cartridge support structure 504 and rotational mechanism 506. Cartridge support structure 504 is structured to position and support cartridge 100, which is removable from cartridge receiver/rotation assembly 502. In some embodiments, cartridges are not removable components of mixing stations, e.g., are fabricated integral with cartridge receiver/rotation assemblies. In certain embodiments, cartridge support structure 504 is attached to or mounted on another support surface via mounting holes 505. As shown, cartridge support structure 504 includes recessed region 508 that receives body structure 102 of cartridge 100. Recessed region 508 includes grooves 510 that receive alignment features 130 of cartridge 100 via notched regions 512 of cartridge receiver/rotation assembly 502 to align cartridge 100 relative to cartridge support structure 504 and rotational mechanism 506 of cartridge receiver/rotation assembly 502. As mentioned above, cartridge 100 includes retention component 132 (shown as a lip at the base of the body structure of cartridge 100). When alignment features 130 of cartridge 100 are received within grooves 510 of cartridge support structure 504, retention component 132 engages retention mechanism 514 (shown as a spring loaded clamp) of cartridge receiver/rotation assembly 502 to reversibly hold cartridge 100 in place within recessed region 508, e.g., to secure cartridge 100 when rotational mechanism 506 rotates rotatable member 112.

As also shown, proximal end 134 of rotatable member 112 of cartridge 100 operably connects to rotational mechanism 506 via rotatable shaft 516. Rotatable shaft 516 is operably connected to motor 518 (shown as a stepper motor), which is mounted on cartridge support structure 504 via motor mounting bracket 520. Motor 518 effects the rotation of rotatable shaft 516 and rotational mechanism 506. As described herein, in other exemplary embodiments, rotatable shaft rotation and material mixing is effected by magnetic coupling mechanisms. For example, as described above with respect to FIG. 4, rotatable members and rotational mechanisms include magnetic couplers that magnetically communicate with one another to effect rotation in some of these embodiments.

As referred to above, mixing stations optionally include mechanisms for monitoring and regulating mixing processes performed using the cartridges described herein. To illustrate, cartridge receiver/rotation assembly 502 of mixing station 500 includes motion sensor 522 (shown as a reflective solder terminal phototransistor) mounted on cartridge support structure 504 via motion sensor mounting bracket 524. Suitable motion sensors are available from a variety of commercial supplier including, e.g., Omron Electronics LLC (Schaumburg, Ill., U.S.A.). During operation, the rotation of rotatable member 112 of cartridge 100 is typically monitored when motion sensor 522 detects the motion of projection 138 within housing 139 of cartridge 100.

In some embodiments, mixing stations include thermal modulating components (e.g., resistive heating coils, or the like) that modulate the temperature of materials disposed in the cavities of mixing cartridges during a given mixing process. For example, FIG. 7 schematically depicts cartridge receiver/rotation assembly 700, which includes heating element 702 disposed in recessed region 704. Heating element 702 is configured to thermally communicate with the cavity of a mixing cartridge to regulate the temperature of materials (e.g., a cell culture suspension, viscous fluidic materials, etc.) within the cavity when the cartridge is positioned within recessed region 704. Although not shown in FIG. 7, heating element 702 operably connects to a power source. Typically, thermal modulating components are operably connected to controllers (described below), e.g., via such power sources.

The controllers of the mixing stations and systems described herein are generally configured to effect, e.g. the rotation of rotatable members to mix materials disposed within the cavities of mixing cartridges, the monitoring of rotatable member rotation, the detection of one or more parameters of materials disposed in mixing cartridge cavities, and the like. Controllers are typically operably connected to one or more system components, such as motors (e.g., via motor drives), thermal modulating components, detectors, motion sensors, fluidic handling components, robotic translocation devices, or the like, to control operation of these components. More specifically, controllers are generally included either as separate or integral system components that are utilized to effect, e.g., the rotation of rotatable members in mixing cartridges according to one or more selectable rotational modes, the transport of mixing cartridges between system areas or components, the transfer of materials to and/or from mixing cartridges, the detection and/or analysis of detectable signals received from sample materials by detectors, etc. Controllers and/or other system components is/are generally coupled to an appropriately programmed processor, computer, digital device, or other logic device or information appliance (e.g., including an analog to digital or digital to analog converter as needed), which functions to instruct the operation of these instruments in accordance with preprogrammed or user input instructions (e.g., mixing mode selection, mixing cartridge cavity temperature, fluid volumes to be conveyed, etc.), receive data and information from these instruments, and interpret, manipulate and report this information to the user.

A controller or computer optionally includes a monitor which is often a cathode ray tube (“CRT”) display, a flat panel display (e.g., active matrix liquid crystal display, liquid crystal display, etc.), or others. Computer circuitry is often placed in a box, which includes numerous integrated circuit chips, such as a microprocessor, memory, interface circuits, and others. The box also optionally includes a hard disk drive, a floppy disk drive, a high capacity removable drive such as a writeable CD-ROM, and other common peripheral elements. Inputting devices such as a keyboard or mouse optionally provide for input from a user. An exemplary system comprising a computer is schematically illustrated in FIG. 8.

The computer typically includes appropriate software for receiving user instructions, either in the form of user input into a set of parameter fields, e.g., in a GUI, or in the form of preprogrammed instructions, e.g., preprogrammed for a variety of different specific operations. The software then converts these instructions to appropriate language for instructing the operation of one or more controllers to carry out the desired operation, e.g., rotating a rotatable member of a mixing cartridge, aspirating fluidic materials from a mixing cartridge, dispensing materials into a cavity of a mixing cartridge, or the like. The computer then receives the data from, e.g., sensors/detectors included within the system, and interprets the data, either provides it in a user understood format, or uses that data to initiate further controller instructions, in accordance with the programming, e.g., such as in monitoring detectable signal intensity, mixing cartridge cavity temperature, or the like.

More specifically, the software utilized to control the operation of the mixing stations of the invention typically includes logic instructions that selectively direct, e.g., the rotational mechanism to rotate the rotatable member in an initiation mode or in a maintenance mode in which a rate of rotation of the rotatable member is greater in the initiation mode than in the maintenance mode. The logic instructions of the software are typically embodied on a computer readable medium, such as a CD-ROM, a floppy disk, a tape, a flash memory device or component, a system memory device or component, a hard drive, a data signal embodied in a carrier wave, and/or the like. Other computer readable media are known to persons of skill in the art. In some embodiments, the logic instructions are embodied in read-only memory (ROM) in a computer chip present in one or more system components, without the use of personal computers.

The computer can be, e.g., a PC (Intel x86 or Pentium chip-compatible DOS™, OS2™, WINDOWS™, WINDOWS NT™, WINDOWS98™, WINDOWS2000™, WINDOWS XP™, WINDOWS Vista™, LINUX-based machine, a MACINTOSH™, Power PC, or a UNIX-based (e.g., SUN™ work station) machine) or other common commercially available computer which is known to one of skill. Standard desktop applications such as word processing software (e.g., Microsoft Word™ or Corel WordPerfect™) and database software (e.g., spreadsheet software such as Microsoft Excel™, Corel Quattro Pro™, or database programs such as Microsoft Access™ or Paradox™) can be adapted to the present invention. Software for performing, e.g., rotatable member rotation, material conveyance to and/or from mixing cartridges, mixing process monitoring, assay detection, and data deconvolution is optionally constructed by one of skill using a standard programming language such as Visual basic, C, C++, Fortran, Basic, Java, or the like.

The mixing stations and related systems of the invention optionally include detection components configured to detect one or more detectable signals or parameters from a given mixing process, e.g., from materials disposed within mixing cartridge cavities. In some embodiments, systems are configured to detect detectable signals or parameters that are upstream and/or downstream of a given mixing process involving the mixing cartridges and mixing stations described herein. Suitable signal detectors that are optionally utilized in these systems detect, e.g., pH, temperature, pressure, density, salinity, conductivity, fluid level, radioactivity, luminescence, fluorescence, phosphorescence, molecular mass, emission, transmission, absorbance, and/or the like. In some embodiments, the detector monitors a plurality of signals, which correspond in position to “real time” results. Example detectors or sensors include PMTs, CCDs, intensified CCDs, photodiodes, avalanche photodiodes, optical sensors, scanning detectors, or the like. Each of these as well as other types of sensors is optionally readily incorporated into the mixing stations and systems described herein. The detector optionally moves relative to mixing cartridges or stations, sample containers or other assay components, or alternatively, mixing cartridges or stations, sample containers or other assay components move relative to the detector. Optionally, the mixing stations and systems of the invention include multiple detectors. In these stations and systems, such detectors are typically placed either in or adjacent to, e.g., a mixing cartridge cavity or other vessel, such that the detector is in sensory communication with the mixing cartridge cavity or other vessel (i.e., the detector is capable of detecting the property of the cavity or vessel or portion thereof, the contents of a portion of the cavity or vessel, or the like, for which that detector is intended).

The detector optionally includes or is operably linked to a computer, e.g., which has system software for converting detector signal information into assay result information or the like. For example, detectors optionally exist as separate units, or are integrated with controllers into a single instrument. Integration of these functions into a single unit facilitates connection of these instruments with the computer, by permitting the use of a few or even a single communication port for transmitting information between system components. Detection components that are optionally included in the systems of the invention are described further in, e.g., Skoog et al., Principles of Instrumental Analysis, 6^(th) Ed., Brooks Cole (2006) and Currell, Analytical Instrumentation: Performance Characteristics and Quality, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (2000), which are both incorporated by reference.

The stations and systems of the invention optionally also include at least one robotic translocation or gripping component that is structured to grip and translocate mixing cartridges or other containers between components of the stations or systems and/or between the stations or systems and other locations (e.g., other work stations, etc.). In certain embodiments, for example, systems further include gripping components that move mixing cartridges between cartridge receiver/rotation assemblies, incubation or storage components, and the like. A variety of available robotic elements (robotic arms, movable platforms, etc.) can be used or modified for use with these systems, which robotic elements are typically operably connected to controllers that control their movement and other functions.

FIG. 8 is a schematic showing a representative system including an information appliance in which various aspects of the present invention may be embodied. Other exemplary systems are also described herein. As will be understood by practitioners in the art from the teachings provided herein, the invention is optionally implemented in hardware and software. In some embodiments, different aspects of the invention are implemented in either client-side logic or server-side logic. As will also be understood in the art, the invention or components thereof may be embodied in a media program component (e.g., a fixed media component) containing logic instructions and/or data that, when loaded into an appropriately configured computing device, cause that apparatus or system to perform according to the invention. As will additionally be understood in the art, a fixed media containing logic instructions may be delivered to a viewer on a fixed media for physically loading into a viewer's computer or a fixed media containing logic instructions may reside on a remote server that a viewer accesses through a communication medium in order to download a program component.

FIG. 8 shows information appliance or digital device 800 that may be understood as a logical apparatus (e.g., a computer, etc.) that can read instructions from media 817 and/or network port 819, which can optionally be connected to server 820 having fixed media 822. Information appliance 800 can thereafter use those instructions to direct server or client logic, as understood in the art, to embody aspects of the invention. One type of logical apparatus that may embody the invention is a computer system as illustrated in 800, containing CPU 807, optional input devices 809 and 811, disk drives 815 and optional monitor 805. Fixed media 817, or fixed media 822 over port 819, may be used to program such a system and may represent a disk-type optical or magnetic media, magnetic tape, solid state dynamic or static memory, or the like. In specific embodiments, the aspects of the invention may be embodied in whole or in part as software recorded on this fixed media. Communication port 819 may also be used to initially receive instructions that are used to program such a system and may represent any type of communication connection. Optionally, aspects of the invention are embodied in whole or in part within the circuitry of an application specific integrated circuit (ACIS) or a programmable logic device (PLD). In such a case, aspects of the invention may be embodied in a computer understandable descriptor language, which may be used to create an ASIC, or PLID.

In addition, FIG. 8 also shows mixing station 802, which is operably connected to information appliance 800 via server 820. Optionally, mixing station 802 is directly connected to information appliance 800. During operation, mixing station 802 typically mixes materials with mixing cartridge cavities (e.g., to maintain particles in fluidic materials in suspension, etc.), e.g., as part of an assay or other process. FIG. 8 also shows detector 824, which is optionally included in the systems of the invention. As shown, detector 824 is operably connected to information appliance 800 via server 820. In some embodiments, detector 824 is directly connected to information appliance 800. In certain embodiments, detector 824 is configured to detect detectable signals produced in a cavity of a mixing cartridge positioned on a cartridge support structure of mixing station 802.

V. Example System and Related Process Embodiments

To further illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention, FIGS. 9A-G schematically depict a portion of a representative system for nucleic acid amplification product desalting and molecular mass measurement that includes a mixing station as a sub-system component. The measured molecular masses of the amplification products are typically used to determine base compositions of the corresponding amplification products, which are then generally correlated with the identities or organismal sources of the initial template nucleic acids, for example, as part of a research or in-vitro diagnostic application, among many others.

As shown in FIGS. 9A-G, components of representative system 900 include microplate handling component or system 10, material transfer component 902, mixing station 904, wash stations 906 and 908, sample processing component 910, and sample injector 912. During operation, microplates are typically stored or positioned in input non-priority microplate storage unit 12, output non-priority microplate storage unit 14, priority microplate storage unit 16, microplate processing area 18, and non-priority microplate holding area 20 (e.g., on non-priority microplate holding component 22) of microplate handling component 10. As also shown, microplate handling component 10 also includes barcode reader 36. In the exemplary embodiment shown, barcode reader 36 is configured to read barcodes disposed on microplates when the microplates are disposed in or proximal to non-priority microplate holding area 20, e.g., to track the microplates or samples contained in the microplates in microplate handling system 10. In some embodiments, for example, non-priority microplates are stored in input non-priority microplate storage unit 12 and priority microplates are stored in priority microplate storage unit 16 after target regions of template nucleic acids in those plates have been amplified, e.g., at a separate thermocycling station or nucleic acid amplification component. Essentially any thermal cycling station or device is optionally adapted for use with a system of the invention, such as system 900. Examples of suitable thermocycling devices that are optionally utilized are available from many different commercial suppliers, including Mastercycler® devices (Eppendorf North America, Westbury, N.Y., U.S.A.), the COBAS® AMPLICOR Analyzer (Roche Molecular Systems, Inc., Pleasanton, Calif., U.S.A.), MyCycler and iCycler Thermal Cyclers (Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., Hercules, Calif., U.S.A.), and the SmartCycler System (Cepheid, Sunnyvale, Calif., U.S.A.), among many others. In other exemplary embodiments, sample preparation components, nucleic acid amplification components, and related fluid handling or material transfer components are integrated with the systems described herein, e.g., to fully automate a given nucleic acid amplification and analysis process. Instruments that can be adapted for this purpose include, for example, the m2000™ automated instrument system (Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, Ill., U.S.A.), the GeneXpert System (Cepheid, Sunnyvale, Calif., U.S.A.), and the COBAS® AmpliPrep® System (Roche Molecular Systems, Inc., Pleasanton, Calif., U.S.A.), and the like.

Microplates are transferred from input non-priority microplate storage unit 12 or priority microplate storage unit 16 to microplate processing area 18 using platform 28 of a microplate transport mechanism. As referred to above and as shown in, e.g., FIGS. 9F and G, platform 28 is operably connected to X-axis linear motion component 38. X-axis linear motion component 38 includes gantry 40. Platform 28 is operably connected to carriage 42, which moves along gantry 40. As further shown in FIGS. 9F and G, microplate transport mechanism 26 also includes Y-axis linear motion component 44 operably connected to carriage 42 and to platform 28. Y-axis linear motion component 44 is configured to raise and lower platform 28 along the Y-axis. Suitable linear motion components, motors, and motor drives are generally available from many different commercial suppliers including, e.g., Techno-Isel Linear Motion Systems (New Hyde Park, N.Y., U.S.A.), NC Servo Technology Corp. (Westland, Mich., USA), Enprotech Automation Services (Ann Arbor, Mich., U.S.A.), Yaskawa Electric America, Inc. (Waukegan, Ill., U.S.A.), ISL Products International, Ltd. (Syosset, N.Y., U.S.A.), AMK Drives & Controls, Inc. (Richmond, Va., U.S.A.), Aerotech, Inc. (Pittsburgh, Pa., U.S.A.), HD Systems Inc. (Hauppauge, N.Y., U.S.A.), and the like. Additional detail relating to motors and motor drives are described in, e.g., Polka, Motors and Drives, ISA (2002) and Hendershot et al., Design of Brushless Permanent-Magnet Motors, Magna Physics Publishing (1994), which are both incorporated by reference. Microplate handling components are also described in, e.g., Attorney Docket No. DIBIS-0116US.L, entitled “MICROPLATE HANDLING SYSTEMS AND RELATED COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCTS AND METHODS” filed Sep. 16, 2008 by Hofstadler et al., which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Material transfer component 902 includes sample input gantry 914 and sample output gantry 916. Input gantry head 918 is configured to move along sample input gantry 914, whereas output gantry head 920 is configured to move along sample output gantry 916. Input gantry head 918 and output gantry head 920 each include needles that are configured to aspirate and dispense fluidic materials. Further, input gantry head 918 and output gantry head 920 are each configured to be raised and lowered along the Y-axis. During operation of exemplary system 900, the needle or pipetting tip of input gantry head 918 is typically used to aspirate an aliquot of magnetically responsive particles (e.g., magnetically responsive beads, such as BioMag®Plus Amine superparamagnetic microparticles available from Bangs Laboratories, Inc., Fishers, Ind., U.S.A.) that bind nucleic acids from a mixing cartridge positioned at mixing station 904. Nucleic acid purification involving magnetically responsive particles is also described in, e.g., U.S. Patent App. Pub. No. US 2005/0164215, entitled “METHOD FOR RAPID PURIFICATION OF NUCLEIC ACIDS FOR SUBSEQUENT ANALYSIS BY MASS SPECTROMETRY BY SOLUTION CAPTURE,” filed May 12, 2004 by Hofstadler et al., and U.S. Patent App. Pub. No. US 2005/0130196, entitled “METHOD FOR RAPID PURIFICATION OF NUCLEIC ACIDS FOR SUBSEQUENT ANALYSIS BY MASS SPECTROMETRY BY SOLUTION CAPTURE,” filed Sep. 17, 2004 by Hofstadler et al., which are both incorporated by reference in their entirety. Optionally before, but typically after aspirating the aliquot of magnetically responsive particles (e.g., to minimize the possibility of cross-contaminating samples), the needle of input gantry head 918 is also generally used to aspirate an aliquot of an amplification product sample from a selected well of a microplate positioned in microplate processing area 18 of microplate handling system 10. The resulting mixture of magnetically responsive particle and amplification product sample aliquots disposed within the needle of input gantry head 918 is then typically transferred to sample processing component 910 along sample input gantry 914. After dispensing the mixture at sample processing component 910, the needle of input gantry head 918 is typically washed at wash station 906, e.g., to minimize the probability of cross-contaminating samples, prior to repeating this transfer cycle for other amplification product samples contained in the wells of a given microplate (e.g., priority or non-priority microplates) positioned in microplate processing area 18 of microplate handling system 10.

In the embodiment shown, sample processing component 910 is a desalting station that is used to desalt or otherwise purify nucleic acid amplification products in the sample mixture prior to mass spectrometric analysis. Sample processing component 910 includes carrier mechanism 922 (shown as a carousel), which includes a plurality of sample processing units 924. In the illustrated embodiment, each sample processing unit 924 includes cuvette 926 and magnet 928. After a mixture of magnetically responsive particle and amplification product sample aliquots is dispensed into a given cuvette 926, that cuvette is typically rotated in a clockwise direction on carrier mechanism 922 to various positions within sample processing component 910 where various reagents are added to and/or removed from that cuvette (e.g., via various fluidic handling components of manifold 930) as part of the process of purifying the amplification products captured or otherwise bound to the magnetically responsive particles in the mixture. When fluidic materials are removed from the cuvette at a given position within sample processing component 910, the cuvette is typically moved proximal to the magnet of the particular sample processing unit (e.g., cuvette 926 is moved proximal to magnet 928 of sample processing unit 924) using a conveyance mechanism to establish sufficient magnetic communication between the magnet and the magnetically responsive particles such that the magnetically responsive particles are moved to and retained on an internal surface of the cuvette while fluidic materials are removed from the cuvette. At the conclusion of a purification process for a given sample, the purified amplification products are then typically aspirated from the particular cuvette using the needle of output gantry head 920. During or prior this step, the nucleic acid amplification products are eluted from the magnetically responsive particles. After purified amplification products have been removed from a given cuvette, that cuvette is then generally rotated on carrier mechanism 922 into communication with cuvette wash station 927, where the cuvette is washed prior to commencing another purification cycle involving the cuvette and another sample. Sample processing components, such as sample processing component 910 and related desalting/purification methods are also described in, e.g., Attorney Docket No. DIBIS-0107US.L, entitled “SAMPLE PROCESSING UNITS, SYSTEMS, AND RELATED METHODS” filed Sep. 16, 2008 by Hofstadler et al., U.S. Patent App. Pub. No. US 2005/0164215, entitled “METHOD FOR RAPID PURIFICATION OF NUCLEIC ACIDS FOR SUBSEQUENT ANALYSIS BY MASS SPECTROMETRY BY SOLUTION CAPTURE,” filed May 12, 2004 by Hofstadler et al., and U.S. Patent App. Pub. No. US 2005/0130196, entitled “METHOD FOR RAPID PURIFICATION OF NUCLEIC ACIDS FOR SUBSEQUENT ANALYSIS BY MASS SPECTROMETRY BY SOLUTION CAPTURE,” filed Sep. 17, 2004 by Hofstadler et al., and Hofstadler et al. (2003) “A highly efficient and automated method of purifying and desalting PCR products for analysis by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry” Anal Biochem. 316:50-57, which are each incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Purified and eluted amplification products that have been aspirated from a particular cuvette of sample processing component 910 are typically transported along sample output gantry 916 to sample injector 912 (shown as a two channel time-of-flight injector) using output gantry head 920. That is, the amplification products are typically dispensed from the needle or pipetting tip of output gantry head 920 into one of the two channels of sample injector 912, which generally comprise two independent sample injection syringe pumps that are configured to receive the amplification products. After dispensing the amplification products at sample injector 912, the needle of output gantry head 920 is typically washed at wash station 908 prior to aspirating another purified amplification product sample from sample processing component 910, e.g., to reduce the potential for carryover contamination between samples.

Now referring to FIG. 10, which schematically shows additional components of representative system 900 (sample processing component 910 not shown) from a perspective view. As shown, the additional components include dual sprayer module 932, which includes two independent electrospray ionization sprayers, and time-of-flight mass spectrometer 934. Amplification product samples received at sample injector 912 are typically injected into one of the two sprayers of dual sprayer module 932 for electrospray ionization and mass measurement in time-of-flight mass spectrometer 934. As further shown, the additional components of representative system 900 also include input/output device 936 (shown as a touch screen monitor), computer 937, output device 939 (shown as a printer), reagents and waste module 938, and chassis 940. Input/output device 936, computer 937, and output device 939 are components of a controller of system 900. Controllers are described further herein. Reagents and waste module 938 provide reagent sources and waste receptacles for system 900. Chassis 940 provides mechanical support for microplate handling system 10, sample processing component 910, and other components of system 900. To further illustrate, FIGS. 11A-C schematically show representative system 900 with an external covering from various views.

In some embodiments, the base compositions of amplification products are determined from detected molecular masses. In these embodiments, base compositions are typically correlated with the identity of an organismal source, genotype, or other attribute of the corresponding template nucleic acids in a given sample. Databases with base compositions and other information useful in these processes are also typically included in these systems. Suitable software and related aspects, e.g., for determining base compositions from detected molecular masses and for performing other aspects of base composition analysis are commercially available from Ibis Biosciences, Inc. (Carlsbad, Calif., U.S.A.).

Particular embodiments of molecular mass-based detection methods and other aspects that are optionally adapted for use with the systems described herein are described in various patents and patent applications, including, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,108,974; 7,217,510; 7,226,739; 7,255,992; 7,312,036; and 7,339,051; and US patent publication numbers 2003/0027135; 2003/0167133; 2003/0167134; 2003/0175695; 2003/0175696; 2003/0175697; 2003/0187588; 2003/0187593; 2003/0190605; 2003/0225529; 2003/0228571; 2004/0110169; 2004/0117129; 2004/0121309; 2004/0121310; 2004/0121311; 2004/0121312; 2004/0121313; 2004/0121314; 2004/0121315; 2004/0121329; 2004/0121335; 2004/0121340; 2004/0122598; 2004/0122857; 2004/0161770; 2004/0185438; 2004/0202997; 2004/0209260; 2004/0219517; 2004/0253583; 2004/0253619; 2005/0027459; 2005/0123952; 2005/0130196 2005/0142581; 2005/0164215; 2005/0266397; 2005/0270191; 2006/0014154; 2006/0121520; 2006/0205040; 2006/0240412; 2006/0259249; 2006/0275749; 2006/0275788; 2007/0087336; 2007/0087337; 2007/0087338 2007/0087339; 2007/0087340; 2007/0087341; 2007/0184434; 2007/0218467; 2007/0218467; 2007/0218489; 2007/0224614; 2007/0238116; 2007/0243544; 2007/0248969; WO2002/070664; WO2003/001976; WO2003/100035; WO2004/009849; WO2004/052175; WO2004/053076; WO2004/053141; WO2004/053164; WO2004/060278; WO2004/093644; WO2004/101809; WO2004/111187; WO2005/023083; WO2005/023986; WO2005/024046; WO2005/033271; WO2005/036369; WO2005/086634; WO2005/089128; WO2005/091971; WO2005/092059; WO2005/094421; WO2005/098047; WO2005/116263; WO2005/117270; WO2006/019784; WO2006/034294; WO2006/071241; WO2006/094238; WO2006/116127; WO2006/135400; WO2007/014045; WO2007/047778; WO2007/086904; and WO2007/100397; WO2007/118222, which are each incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

Exemplary molecular mass-based analytical methods and other aspects of use in the systems described herein are also described in, e.g., Ecker et al. (2005) “The Microbial Rosetta Stone Database: A compilation of global and emerging infectious microorganisms and bioterrorist threat agents” BMC Microbiology 5(1):19; Ecker et al. (2006) “The Ibis T5000 Universal Biosensor: An Automated Platform for Pathogen Identification and Strain Typing” JALA 6(11):341-351; Ecker et al. (2006) “Identification of Acinetobacter species and genotyping of Acinetobacter baumannii by multilocus PCR and mass spectrometry” J Clin Microbiol. 44(8):2921-32; Ecker et al. (2005) “Rapid identification and strain-typing of respiratory pathogens for epidemic surveillance” Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 102(22):8012-7; Hannis et al. (2008) “High-resolution genotyping of Campylobacter species by use of PCR and high-throughput mass spectrometry” J Clin Microbiol. 46(4):1220-5; Blyn et al. (2008) “Rapid detection and molecular serotyping of adenovirus by use of PCR followed by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry” J Clin Microbiol. 46(2):644-51; Sampath et al. (2007) “Global surveillance of emerging Influenza virus genotypes by mass spectrometry” PLoS ONE 2(5):e489; Sampath et al. (2007) “Rapid identification of emerging infectious agents using PCR and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry” Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1102:109-20; Hall et al. (2005) “Base composition analysis of human mitochondrial DNA using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry: a novel tool for the identification and differentiation of humans” Anal Biochem. 344(1):53-69; Hofstadler et al. (2003) “A highly efficient and automated method of purifying and desalting PCR products for analysis by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry” Anal Biochem. 316:50-57; Hofstadler et al. (2006) “Selective ion filtering by digital thresholding: A method to unwind complex ESI-mass spectra and eliminate signals from low molecular weight chemical noise” Anal Chem. 78(2):372-378; and Hofstadler et al. (2005) “TIGER: The Universal Biosensor” Int J Mass Spectrom. 242(1):23-41, which are each incorporated by reference.

In addition to the molecular mass and base composition analyses referred to above, essentially any other nucleic acid amplification technological process is also optionally adapted for use in the systems of the invention. Other exemplary uses of the systems and other aspects of the invention include immunoassays, cell culturing, cell-based assays, compound library screening, and chemical synthesis, among many others. Many of these as well as other exemplary applications of use in the systems of the invention are also described in, e.g., Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, Volumes I, II, and III, 1997 (F. M. Ausubel ed.); Perbal, 1984, A Practical Guide to Molecular Cloning; the series, Methods in Enzymology (Academic Press, Inc.); Sambrook et al., 2001, Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, Third Edition, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y.; Oligonucleotide Synthesis, 1984 (M. L. Gait ed.); Nucleic Acid Hybridization, 1985, (Hames and Higgins); Transcription and Translation, 1984 (Hames and Higgins eds.); Animal Cell Culture, 1986 (R. I. Freshney ed.); Berger and Kimmel, Guide to Molecular Cloning Techniques, Methods in Enzymology volume 152 Academic Press, Inc., San Diego, Calif. (Berger), DNA Cloning: A Practical Approach, Volumes I and II, 1985 (D. N. Glover ed.); Immobilized Cells and Enzymes, 1986 (IRL Press); Gene Transfer Vectors for Mammalian Cells, 1987 (J. H. Miller and M. P. Calos eds., Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory); and Methods in Enzymology Vol. 154 and Vol. 155 (Wu and Grossman, and Wu, eds., respectively), which are each incorporated by reference.

VI. Example Kits and Related Methods

In certain embodiments, the mixing cartridges of the invention are provided in kits. To illustrate, in some embodiments, kits include only empty mixing cartridges, whereas in other exemplary embodiments kits also include material disposed in the cavities of mixing cartridges and/or in separate containers. The material included in a given kit typically depends on the intended purpose of the mixing cartridges (e.g., for use in a nucleic acid or protein purification process, for use in a cell culture process or screening application, for use in a painting or printing application, for use in chemical synthetic processes, etc.). Accordingly, non-limiting examples of materials optionally included in kits are magnetically responsive particles (e.g., magnetically responsive beads, etc.), water, solvents, buffers, reagents, cell culture media, cells, paint, ink, biopolymers (e.g., nucleic acids, polypeptides, etc.), solid supports (e.g., controlled pore glass (CPG), etc.), and the like. Kits typically also include instructions for mixing the fluidic materials in the cartridges and/or loading the materials into the cavity of the cartridge. In addition, kits also generally include packaging for containing the cartridge(s), the separate container(s), and/or the instructions.

Kits are typically provided in response to receiving an order from a customer. Orders are received through a variety of mechanisms including, e.g., via a personal appearance by the customer or an agent thereof, via a postal or other delivery service (e.g., a common carrier), via a telephonic communication, via an email communication or another electronic medium, or any other suitable method. Further, kits are generally supplied or provided to customers (e.g., in exchange for a form of payment) by any suitable method, including via a personal appearance by the customer or an agent thereof, via a postal or other delivery service, such as a common carrier, or the like.

VII. Example Fabrication Methods and Materials

Mixing cartridges or components thereof, cartridge receiver/rotation assemblies, and system components (e.g., mixing stations, microplate storage units, microplate transport mechanisms, support bases, sample processing components, etc.) are optionally formed by various fabrication techniques or combinations of such techniques including, e.g., machining, embossing, extrusion, stamping, engraving, injection molding, cast molding, etching (e.g., electrochemical etching, etc.), or other techniques. These and other suitable fabrication techniques are generally known in the art and described in, e.g., Molinari et al. (Eds.), Metal Cutting and High Speed Machining, Kluwer Academic Publishers (2002), Altintas, Manufacturing Automation: Metal Cutting Mechanics, Machine Tool Vibrations, and CNC Design, Cambridge University Press (2000), Stephenson et al., Metal Cutting Theory and Practice, Marcel Dekker (1997), Fundamentals of Injection Molding, W. J. T. Associates (2000), Whelan, Injection Molding of Thermoplastics Materials, Vol. 2, Chapman & Hall (1991), Rosato, Injection Molding Handbook, 3^(rd) Ed., Kluwer Academic Publishers (2000), Fisher, Extrusion of Plastics, Halsted Press (1976), and Chung, Extrusion of Polymers: Theory and Practice, Hanser-Gardner Publications (2000), which are each incorporated by reference. Exemplary materials optionally used to fabricate mixing cartridges, mixing stations, or components thereof include polymethylmethacrylate, polyethylene, polydimethylsiloxane, polyetheretherketone, polytetrafluoroethylene, polystyrene, polyvinylchloride, polypropylene, polysulfone, polymethylpentene, and polycarbonate, among many others. In some embodiments, mixing cartridges or components thereof are fabricated as disposable or consumable components of mixing stations or related systems. In certain embodiments, following fabrication, system components are optionally further processed, e.g., by coating surfaces with a hydrophilic coating, a hydrophobic coating (e.g., a Xylan 1010DF/870 Black coating available from Whitford Corporation (West Chester, Pa.), etc.), or the like, e.g., to prevent interactions between component surfaces and reagents, samples, or the like.

While the foregoing invention has been described in some detail for purposes of clarity and understanding, it will be clear to one skilled in the art from a reading of this disclosure that various changes in form and detail can be made without departing from the true scope of the invention. For example, all the techniques and apparatus described above can be used in various combinations. All publications, patents, patent applications, and/or other documents cited in this application are incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, patent application, and/or other document were individually indicated to be incorporated by reference for all purposes. 

1. A cartridge for mixing material, comprising: at least one body structure comprising one or more surfaces that define a cavity having upper and lower portions; at least one rotatable member extending at least partially along an axis that is substantially horizontally disposed in the upper portion of the cavity, which rotatable member is configured to operably connect to a rotational mechanism; and, at least one protrusion extending outward from the rotatable member and into the lower portion of the cavity, which protrusion is configured to mix the material when the material is disposed in the cavity, the rotatable member is operably connected to the rotational mechanism, and the rotational mechanism at least partially rotates the rotatable member about the axis.
 2. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the cavity lacks substantial dead zones.
 3. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the upper portion of the cavity comprises at least one hole or indentation that receives at least a section of the rotatable member.
 4. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the cavity comprises a volume capacity of about 500 mL or less.
 5. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the body structure is dimensioned to be handheld.
 6. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the body structure comprises at least one alignment feature configured to align the cartridge relative to a cartridge support structure of a cartridge receiver/rotation assembly, when the cartridge is positioned on the cartridge support structure of the cartridge receiver/rotation assembly.
 7. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the body structure comprises at least one retention component configured to engage at least one retention mechanism of a cartridge receiver/rotation assembly, when the cartridge is positioned on a cartridge support structure of the cartridge receiver/rotation assembly.
 8. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the rotatable member is configured to rotate about 180 degrees or less within the cavity.
 9. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the rotatable member is configured to operably connect to the rotational mechanism via a substantially vertically disposed side surface of the body structure.
 10. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the rotatable member comprises at least a first magnetic coupler that is configured to interact with at least a second magnetic coupler of the rotational mechanism to effect rotation of the rotatable member when the first and second magnetic couplers are within magnetic communication with one another and the rotational mechanism effects rotation of the second magnetic coupler.
 11. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the protrusion comprises at least one paddle or at least one blade.
 12. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the protrusion is fabricated integral with the rotatable member.
 13. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the rotatable member comprises a plurality of protrusions.
 14. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the cavity is fully enclosed within the body structure.
 15. The cartridge of claim 14, comprising an aperture disposed through a top surface of the body structure, which aperture is configured to receive a fluid handling component that fluidly communicates with the cavity.
 16. The cartridge of claim 15, wherein the aperture is disposed through the top surface of the body structure relative to the rotatable member and to the protrusion such that the fluid handling component does not contact the rotatable member or the protrusion when the rotatable member rotates the protrusion and the aperture receives the fluid handling component.
 17. The cartridge of claim 15, comprising a closure disposed in or over the aperture.
 18. The cartridge of claim 17, wherein the closure comprises a septum.
 19. The cartridge of claim 17, wherein the closure is re-sealable.
 20. The cartridge of claim 14, comprising a fill port disposed through a top surface of the body structure.
 21. The cartridge of claim 14, comprising a vent port disposed through a top surface of the body structure.
 22. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein a top surface of the body structure comprises an opening that communicates with the cavity.
 23. The cartridge of claim 22, comprising a sealing member operably connected to the body structure, which sealing member is structured to substantially seal the opening.
 24. The cartridge of claim 23, wherein the sealing member comprises a removable cover that is structured to engage at least one surface of the body structure.
 25. The cartridge of claim 23, wherein the sealing member comprises a film that overlays the opening on the top surface of the body structure.
 26. The cartridge of claim 25, wherein the film comprises a heat sealed film.
 27. The cartridge of claim 25, wherein the film comprises an adhesive.
 28. The cartridge of claim 23, comprising a fill port disposed through said sealing member.
 29. The cartridge of claim 23, comprising a vent port disposed through said sealing member.
 30. The cartridge of claim 23, comprising an aperture disposed through the sealing member, which aperture is configured to receive a fluid handling component such that the fluid handling component can fluidly communicate with the cavity.
 31. The cartridge of claim 30, wherein the aperture is disposed through the sealing member relative to the rotatable member and to the protrusion such that the fluid handling component does not contact the rotatable member or the protrusion when the rotatable member rotates the protrusion and the aperture receives the fluid handling component.
 32. The cartridge of claim 30, comprising a closure disposed in or over the aperture.
 33. The cartridge of claim 32, wherein the closure comprises a septum.
 34. The cartridge of claim 32, wherein the closure is re-sealable.
 35. The cartridge of claim 1, comprising a fluidic material disposed in the cavity.
 36. The cartridge of claim 35, wherein the fluidic material comprises particles.
 37. The cartridge of claim 36, wherein the particles are selected from the group consisting of: cells, biopolymers, and solid supports.
 38. The cartridge of claim 36, wherein the particles are maintained in suspension within the fluidic material when the rotatable member is operably connected to the rotational mechanism and the rotational mechanism at least partially rotates the rotatable member about the axis.
 39. The cartridge of claim 36, wherein the particles comprise magnetically responsive particles.
 40. The cartridge of claim 39, wherein the magnetically responsive particles comprise magnetically responsive beads.
 41. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein at least a first surface of the body structure is substantially symmetrical about the axis of the cavity.
 42. The cartridge of claim 41, wherein a distance between a lower portion of the protrusion and the first surface of the cavity is substantially identical at two or more positions about the axis of the cavity.
 43. The cartridge of claim 41, wherein the first surface of the cavity is curved.
 44. The cartridge of claim 43, wherein a radius of curvature of the first surface of the cavity varies along the length of the cavity.
 45. The cartridge of claim 43, wherein a radius of curvature of the first surface of the cavity is larger at a central portion of the cavity than the radius of curvature near an end portion of the cavity.
 46. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the rotatable member comprises a proximal end which extends through a hole or an indentation in a surface of the cavity, and wherein the proximal end is configured to operably connect to the rotational mechanism.
 47. The cartridge of claim 46, comprising at least one washer disposed around the proximal end of the rotatable member to seal the hole or indentation in the surface of the cavity.
 48. The cartridge of claim 46, comprising a projection that extends outward from the rotatable member, which projection is configured to activate a motion sensor when the motion sensor is in sensory communication with the projection and the rotatable member is rotated.
 49. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the protrusion comprises at least one substantially vertically disposed segment that extends downward from the rotatable member and at least one substantially laterally disposed segment that extends outward from the substantially vertically disposed segment.
 50. The cartridge of claim 49, wherein the substantially laterally disposed segment comprises an edge having a textured surface.
 51. A mixing station, comprising: at least one cartridge that comprises: at least one body structure comprising one or more surfaces that define a cavity having upper and lower portions; at least one rotatable member extending at least partially along an axis that is substantially horizontally disposed in the upper portion of the cavity; and at least one protrusion extending outward from the rotatable member and into the lower portion of the cavity; and, at least one cartridge receiver/rotation assembly that comprises: at least one cartridge support structure that supports the body structure of the cartridge; and a rotational mechanism operably connected to the rotatable member.
 52. The mixing station of claim 51, comprising a thermal modulating component within thermal communication of the cavity to modulate temperature of fluidic material when the fluidic material is disposed in the cavity.
 53. The mixing station of claim 51, wherein the cartridge is removable from the cartridge support structure.
 54. The mixing station of claim 51, wherein the body structure comprises at least one retention component and wherein the cartridge receiver/rotation assembly comprises at least one retention mechanism that engages the retention component to retain the cartridge on the cartridge support structure of the cartridge receiver/rotation assembly.
 55. The mixing station of claim 51, wherein the rotatable member comprises at least a first magnetic coupler and wherein the rotational mechanism comprises at least a second magnetic coupler that magnetically communicates with the first magnetic coupler to effect rotation of the rotatable member when the rotational mechanism rotates the second magnetic coupler.
 56. The mixing station of claim 51, wherein the rotational mechanism is mounted on the cartridge support structure.
 57. The mixing station of claim 51, wherein the cartridge receiver/rotation assembly comprises at least one controller operably connected at least to the rotational mechanism, which controller is configured to selectively direct the rotational mechanism to rotate the rotatable member in an initiation mode or in a maintenance mode, wherein a rate of rotation of the rotatable member is greater in the initiation mode than in the maintenance mode.
 58. The mixing station of claim 51, wherein the cartridge receiver/rotation assembly comprises a motion sensor that is configured to sense motion of the rotatable member when the rotational mechanism rotates the rotatable member.
 59. The mixing station of claim 58, comprising a projection that extends outward from the rotatable member, which projection is configured to activate the motion sensor when the rotatable member is rotated.
 60. The mixing station of claim 51, comprising at least one detection component in sensory communication with the cavity, which detection component is configured to detect one or more parameters of a fluidic material when the fluidic material is disposed in the cavity.
 61. The mixing station of claim 60, wherein the parameters are selected from the group consisting of: pH, temperature, pressure, density, salinity, conductivity, fluid level, radioactivity, luminescence, fluorescence, and phosphorescence.
 62. The mixing station of claim 51, wherein the cartridge support structure comprises a recessed region that receives at least part of the body structure.
 63. The mixing station of claim 62, wherein the recessed region comprises at least one groove and wherein the body structure comprises at least one alignment feature that is received within the groove to align the cartridge relative to the cartridge support structure of the cartridge receiver/rotation assembly.
 64. A kit, comprising: at least one cartridge that comprises: at least one body structure comprising one or more surfaces that define a cavity having upper and lower portions; at least one rotatable member extending at least partially along an axis that is substantially horizontally disposed in the upper portion of the cavity; and at least one protrusion extending outward from the rotatable member and into the lower portion of the cavity; at least one fluidic material and/or at least one particle disposed in the cavity and/or in at least one separate container; and, instructions for mixing the fluidic material and/or the particle in the cartridge and/or loading the fluidic material and/or the particle into the cavity of the cartridge.
 65. The kit of claim 64, wherein the body structure is dimensioned to be handheld.
 66. The kit of claim 64, comprising packaging for containing the cartridge, the separate container, and/or the instructions.
 67. The kit of claim 64, wherein the fluidic material comprises one or more of: water, a buffer, or a cell culture medium.
 68. The kit of claim 64, wherein the particle comprises at least one magnetically responsive particle.
 69. The kit of claim 64, wherein the particle is selected from the group consisting of: a cell, a biopolymer, and a solid support.
 70. A system, comprising: at least one mixing station that comprises: a cartridge that comprises: at least one body structure comprising one or more surfaces that define a cavity having upper and lower portions; at least one rotatable member extending at least partially along an axis disposed in the upper portion of the cavity; and at least one protrusion extending outward from the rotatable member and into the lower portion of the cavity; and, at least one cartridge receiver/rotation assembly that comprises: at least one cartridge support structure that supports the body structure of the cartridge; and a rotational mechanism operably connected to the rotatable member; and, at least one additional system component selected from the group consisting of: at least one nucleic acid amplification component; at least one sample preparation component; at least one microplate handling component; at least one material transfer component; at least one sample processing component; and, at least one mass spectrometer; at least one controller; and at least one database. 